National HIV Testing Day will be observed June 27th by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration (IDEHA). The observance will include promoting access to HIV counseling, testing and referral (CTR) services in partnership with the more than 70 health care providers, community based organizations, and faith institutions it supports. This year’s theme is, “Take the Test, Take Control!”
DHMH Secretary, John M. Colmers said, “Maryland provides free, confidential HIV counseling, testing and referral through publicly funded partnerships to all Marylanders.” Colmers also had this to say, “Everyone should know that HIV infection is preventable, that you can get a free test for HIV so that you can take control of your health, and that there is treatment if you are HIV positive.”
Maryland ranked second among U.S. states and territories in the rate of AIDS diagnoses during 2008. There were a reported 29,021 Marylanders diagnosed and living with HIV or AIDS at the end of 2008, and an estimated 6,000-9,000 additional people living with HIV, who were not aware of their status. African Americans are among groups most affected by HIV and AIDS. In 2008, HIV/AIDS was the third leading cause of death for African Americans in Maryland between the ages of 45 and 64.
See the list of Maryland National HIV Testing Day activities to be held below in addition to the traditional CTR venue activities. To find a location for HIV testing, visit http://eh.dhmh.md.gov/ideha. For more information about National HIV Testing Day, contact the IDEHA at 410-767-5013.